The historic tableware brand Duralex has resumed production at its Orleans plant, its only factory, after a five-month hiatus due to the high price of energy. The machines that produce its iconic, reputedly unbreakable glass cups and plates went to work on Monday. The return is given “thanks to the support of the French State”, which granted him a loan of 15 million euros, he acknowledged in a statement.
Its president, the Spanish José Luis Llacuna, highlighted in the note that “the drop in gas and electricity prices allows us to look to 2023 with more confidence. We are happy to be able to fulfill our commitment and resume our activity.”
Last November, the rise in energy costs forced the lines to stop. The rise was such, some twenty times over normal in gas and electricity, that almost half of the billing was going to cover bills. “This decision – stressed Llacuna – was necessary and also formed part of the collective effort to save energy recommended by the French” Government.
In these five months Duralex, founded in 1945, has continued to market its tableware, since it had reserves equivalent to ten months of production. At this impasse, the 250 employees who were included in an ERTE have been collecting almost their entire salary (the suspension agreement contemplated 95% of the salary) and have been carrying out training courses.
It has also been used to improve production and safety equipment and spaces for employees and, above all, several projects to reduce energy consumption and decarbonization have been started.
Duralex has been owned by the Maison Française du Verre since 2021. This company also owns Pyrex.
